Success Stories
A Re-Entry Success Story
Carlos Sanchez
In May of 2017, I was paroled from a New York State prison. I had spent the past 25 years behind bars for a crime I did not commit. The world is significantly different since the fall of 1995 (the year I was arrested at the age of 17). I had to figure out how to re-enter society in a healthy way. Both the ATTAIN Lab staff and program became integral parts in this re-entry. My name is Mr. Carlos Sanchez and this is my ATTAIN Lab success story.
Soon after I came home, my mom encouraged me go into the LIEOC office in Brentwood to ask if they provided any services that could help with my re-entry. There, I met Anna and Jasmine in the ATTAIN Lab and they helped set me up to earn Microsoft Suite Specialist Certificates. These certificates supplemented the bachelor’s degree I earned in prison, facilitating an easier integration into the work force of my choice.
In the last few years, I’ve worked as a math tutor, a Business Associate for a major non-profit, and eventually, as an Instructor for Microsoft Suite Certificates for Non-Native English speakers in the ATTAIN Lab in Brentwood. I am currently working for a start up company that is trying to innovate cancer research. Along the way, I have used the knowledge I gained in the ATTAIN Lab as one tool of
many to pave my way to success.
Meet Althea H.- LPN
Althea H., another graduate from the initial cohort LPN program, entered the LIEOC program with her CNA already earned. During the program, she was pregnant and discouraged. The support she had from her instructor and fellow classmates was extraordinary. Because of the LIEOC “family” she was able to complete her program. Today, her son is 10 years old, and she credits the LIEOC with giving her more than an education, it gave her the determination to succeed despite life’s “Stumbling blocks” and envision a future of promise. She went on to earn an RN and plans to go even further with a Master’s degree.
Meet William B. - LIEOC Alum - Physical Therapy Aide
A 2012 graduate of the Physical Therapy Aide, had a very tough life. He moved several times in his senior year alone, and had many family pressures to deal with. He felt shool was pretty easy, but had no direction or motivation for his future. He was very excited to complete the Physical Therapy program, and the experience led to a position in a gym environment. He credits the program with giving him direction and structure when he needed it most. Today, William is a Project Manager, a husband and father, and he is determined to succeed in life. He is enrolled at Nassau Community College and plans to pursue further education. ” The LIEOC gave me the confidence I needed to believe in myself and that I was worth a better future if I tried hard enough. There is no limit to what I can achieve in my life.”
Meet Saira K.-Pharmacy Technician
Saira K., a 2009 graduate of the Pharmacy Technician program at our Farmingdale location, credits her LIEOC experience as a catalyst that has brought her through extensive further education, including earning a doctorate in Pharmacy in 2014.
“This course sparked my interest in Pharmacy and helped me think bigger in terms of my dreams. I truly believe programs like the LIEOC are needed in our community.”